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$page->title = "Pursuing God Daily";
$page->date = "2013-01-21";
$page->cover = 'http://nrhc-pages.northrockhill.com/misc/by-Jay.jpg';
$page->thumb = 'http://nrhc-pages.northrockhill.com/misc/by-Jay-thumb.jpg';

?>

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<p>It thrills me to think of what God could do in us and through us as we commit to read, study, and apply His Word.<p>
<hr class="readmore">

<figure class="right">
    <img src="<?= $page->cover ?>" alt="Financial Peace University">
</figure>

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<p>I love what God is doing in our church right now! It thrills me to think of what God could do in us and through us as
we commit to read, study, and apply His Word. There is absolutely nothing more important for you and me than to
passionately pursue our Heavenly Father. He uses that time in His Word and in prayer to make us more like Jesus and to
give us His heart for every man, woman, and child.</p>

<p>I am praying that the discipline of reading and applying God’s Word each day will become a delight for all of us. To
that end, I wanted to share a few practical thoughts to help you as we commit to spend time in God’s Word and in prayer
each day:</p>

<ol>

    <li class="declare">Make a plan.

        <p>Don’t leave time with God to chance and don’t try to squeeze it in. I would encourage you to give God the
        first block of your day. But the point is to pick a time that will be your time with God everyday and commit to
        it. Use the reading plan we gave you or you can find other plans at <a href="http://youversion.com"
        target="_blank">YouVersion.com</a>.</p>

    </li>

    <li class="declare">Don’t over-extend. 

        <p>When we get motivated, we tend to overcommit ourselves. It happens with exercise, reading, eating, sports,
        etc.  Don’t feel like you have to spend hours and hours in prayer and Bible reading everyday. Reading 1-2
        chapters per day, every day is way more valuable than reading a 4-5 chapters every now and then. Praying for a
        few minutes each day is way more valuable than praying for longer periods every now and then.</p>

    </li>

    <li class="declare">Journal what God is saying and how you are responding.

        <p>I know it seems a bit odd, but journaling is incredibly helpful. Even if you just write down a key verse from
        your reading, something you prayed about, and an application you are committing to, it’s helpful. We’re not
        talking a “tell all” Dear Diary kind of thing—just a simple way to remember and process what God is saying to
        you and what you are doing with it.</p>

    </li>

    <li class="declare">Don’t do it alone. 
    
        <p>Find someone you can meet with weekly or twice per month to share what you are reading, what God is saying,
        and what you are doing with it. This will be a means of encouragement in applying God’s Word and a means of
        accountability to stick with it.</p>

    </li>

    <li class="declare">Don’t forget God’s grace.

        <p>God’s love for you does not rise and fall on the consistency of your devotion life. Thank goodness! You will
        miss days. You will get behind. The enemy will try to convince you that you have failed. Remember God’s grace…
        that by faith in Jesus, you are His and He is yours and nothing can separate you. Hopefully what you experience
        is an increasing desire for God and to hear His voice more clearly.</p>

    </li>

</ol>

<p>We will continue to encourage you and provide helpful resources as we make the passionate pursuit of God the priority
in our lives. I can’t wait to see how He works in our lives as we passionately seek Him!</p>

<p>I pray you have an incredible week and I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we continue the <a href="<?=
url('media/series/2013/game-plan') ?>">Game Plan</a> series.</p>

<p>Until All Hear,<br> Jay</p>

